The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) have signed a Record of Discussion (R/D) for the “Strengthening the Operation of Hotlines for Counseling and Supporting Trafficked Survivors” project (Project Phase II) in Hanoi.

In continuation of Project Phase I for the “Establishment of an Anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hotline” (2012-2016), which expanded the existing Child Help Hotline operated in Hanoi and An Giang, and Ha Giang provinces to include a function as a hotline for anti-TIP and strengthened the operations of the hotline, under the coming Project Phase II (2017-2020) the hotline connecting units in An Giang province and the newly-established unit in Da Nang will be upgraded into the higher level of regional call centers.

The hotlines, together with the existing one in Hanoi, are expected to enhance counseling on anti-human trafficking in the southern, central, and northern regions and boost support for trafficked victims.

Counselors will be under MoLISA’s management and training, which will help ensure the required expertise. Furthermore, the operations achievements are expected to be greater thanks to the nationwide recognition of the Hotline number 1800 1567. This would enable major effectiveness in project activities.

Since it began in October 2013, there have been nearly 10,000 calls to 1800 1567, among which 232 calls were immediately referred to the police for investigation and resulted in 92 rescued victims.

The signing of the R/D for Project Phase II is considered the benchmark in JICA’s support towards Vietnam’s National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons. This is also a meaningful event on the occasion of the first anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day for Anti-TIP, on July 30.